Compressor Arrangement for Operating a Compressed Air Supply Facility, Compressed Air Supply Facility and Compressed Air Supply System, and Vehicle with Such a Compressed Air Supply Facility

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a compressor arrangement for operating a compressed air supply facility of a vehicle, having a compressor ( 330 ) having an electric motor ( 332 ), constructed as an electronically commutated, brushless DC motor with a control circuit comprising a power electronics unit, and a pneumatic compressor ( 331 ), wherein the electric motor ( 332 ) is constructed in the form of an external rotor motor. The invention further relates to a compressed air supply facility having such a compressor arrangement, to a vehicle having a pneumatic system, particularly an air spring system and such a compressed air supply facility, and to a method for operating a compressed air supply facility on a vehicle having such a compressor arrangement,?

The invention relates to a compressor arrangement in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. The invention furthermore relates to a compressed air supply facility and a compressed air supply system and to a vehicle with such a compressed air supply facility.

Air supply facilities for air spring facilities or other applications in a vehicle are known. Such air supply facilities produce compressed air in order to feed it to an air spring facility, which is mentioned by way of example. The compressed air is produced by means of a compressor element, which is driven by an electric motor. A DC motor with brushes is generally used as an electric motor for this purpose. In the onboard electrical system of the vehicle, especially a motor car, this motor is supplied with electrical energy from a battery. Such batteries have an electrical voltage across the terminals in the range of from 9 to 15 V, for example. The voltage amplitude depends especially on the current loading of the battery and on its state of charge.

To operate the electric motor of a compressor, it can be connected electrically to the battery by means of a relay. The voltage of 9 V to 15 V, to remain with the example, is then applied to the motor and the motor is driven thereby. As the motor starts up, a very high starting current can occur, and this also leads to at least temporary voltage drop in the battery. The operation of other loads in the onboard electrical system, especially the starting up of other loads in the onboard electrical system, can likewise lower the battery voltage, and the switching off of such a load can raise the battery voltage again. Such fluctuating voltages in the battery lead to different currents, which, in turn, can lead to suboptimal operating conditions and, for example, increased brush wear in the electric motor. Moreover the result is different speeds of the electric motor and hence of the compressor element, which can lead to differences in the noise generated. In particular, it is difficult to match soundproofing to a predetermined noise frequency.

A brushless electric motor is known from CN201794753U, for example. In principle, an electrically commutated brushless motor is constructed as a DC motor having a power electronics unit (“BLDC motor”). The winding is generally mounted on the stator, not in the rotor (as in the DC motor with brushes); in the case of the BLDC motor, the mechanical commutator or brush system is replaced by an electronic commutator, namely a “BLDC control circuit” for controlling a drive of the motor. In general, permanent magnets are seated in the rotor for permanent excitation. A control circuit with the power electronics unit can switch the DC supply voltage to the motor windings. Most BLDC motors have three windings, which are arranged in a star shape. By means of pulse width modulation (PWM), the control circuit can change the average voltage to the motor, for example, in order to control the rotational speed. Hall-effect sensors, for example, which are embedded in the stator, can measure the angular position of the rotor. When the rotor magnet poles then pass the Hall-effect sensors, they emit a high or low signal, thereby indicating whether this is a north or a south pole. BLDC motors can also be commutated by monitoring the back EMF signals instead of using Hall-effect sensors. The motor is then started in an open circuit, and the control then switches to the sensing of the back EMF. However, there is generally a limitation to applications with a relatively constant torque and without dynamic requirements.

DE 10 2007 042 318 A1 describes a compressor arrangement mentioned at the outset having a compact dry piston compressor having at least one cylinder for compressing air of an associated piston, which can be moved using an electric motor by a crank mechanism consisting of a crankshaft and a connecting rod. For this purpose, the crank mechanism is accommodated in a first housing half of a housing, and the electric motor is accommodated within a second housing half of the housing. A rolling bearing common to the crank mechanism and to the electric motor is inserted in a dividing wall dividing the housing halves. The electric motor is embodied in the manner of a brushless DC motor, the stator of which consists of coil windings with an iron core and the rotor of which is equipped with permanent magnets. An electronic commutator of the electric motor is arranged on a circuit board accommodated in the second housing half. The electric motor, which is designed as an internal rotor motor, can have a rotor formed integrally with the crankshaft, which is rotatable within the stator. A compressor arrangement of this kind mentioned at the outset is capable of further improvements as regards control and structural design.

A pneumatic facility of the type stated at the outset is constructed, in particular, in the form of a pneumatic spring system of a vehicle, which is operated using a compressed air supply facility.

A compressed air supply facility is used in vehicles of all kinds, especially to supply an air spring facility of a vehicle with compressed air. Air spring facilities can also include leveling devices, by means of which the distance between the vehicle axle and the vehicle body can be adjusted. An air spring facility of a pneumatic system mentioned at the outset comprises a number of pneumatic bellows pneumatically connected to a common line (gallery), which can raise the vehicle body as the compressed air charge increases—also referred to as air admission—and can correspondingly lower the vehicle body as the compressed air charge decreases—also referred to as venting. In this case, there is generally a need for compressed air flows at pressures of up to 20 bar or above. With increasing distance between the vehicle axle and the vehicle body or ground clearance, the spring travels become longer and it is also possible to compensate for larger irregularities in the ground without contact with the vehicle body. Such systems are increasingly being used for preference in all-terrain vehicles and sport utility vehicles (SUV). In the case of very powerful engines, especially in SUVs, it is desirable to provide the vehicle with a relatively small ground clearance for high speeds on the road, on the one hand, and to provide it with a relatively large ground clearance for off-road use, on the other. It is furthermore desirable to implement a change in the ground clearance as quickly as possible, something that increases the demands as regards rapidity, flexibility and reliability of a compressed air supply facility, especially also that of a compressor arrangement. Nevertheless, this should involve as little wear as possible and be as robust and compact as possible and, in particular, should meet the installation space requirements in a vehicle.

In order to ensure long-term operation of the compressed air supply facility, a pneumatic main line of the compressed air supply facility has an air dryer, by means of which the compressed air can be dried. Accumulation of moisture in the pneumatic system is thereby avoided. At relatively low temperatures, moisture can lead to crystal formation, which damages valves, and can furthermore lead to unwanted effects in the compressed air supply facility and in the pneumatic facility. An air dryer has a desiccant, usually granules, through which the compressed air can flow, allowing the granules to remove moisture contained in the compressed air by adsorption. If appropriate, an air dryer can be designed as a regenerative air dryer. In this case, the dried compressed air from the pneumatic facility, in particular an air spring facility, is made to flow through the granules during each venting cycle, usually as a countercurrent but, depending on the design, possibly also as a co-current relative to the air admission direction. Regeneration of the air dryer is made possible essentially by a pressure change at the air dryer, wherein a pressure present during regeneration, as compared with that for adsorption, is as a rule lower in order to allow release of moisture from the granules. For this purpose, the vent valve arrangement can be opened, wherein the regenerability of the air dryer is generally dependent on the pressure conditions and the pressure change amplitude in the compressed air supply facility. For “pressure change adsorption” of this kind too, it has proven desirable to make a compressed air supply facility flexible and, at the same time, reliable. In particular, the aim is, on the one hand, to allow relatively quick venting, while a sufficiently high pressure change amplitude at a low air pressure—i.e. during regeneration—should nevertheless be available for regeneration of the air dryer.

It is desirable to adapt a compressed air supply facility to the requirements of a vehicle in a manner which is as advantageous as possible; this applies to a pneumatic, structural and/or electrical and/or electronic configuration thereof—in particular, it applies to a compressor arrangement for operating the compressed air supply facility.

This is the starting point for the invention, the object of which is to indicate an apparatus and a method by means of which compressed air can be made available in a better way; in particular, a structural and/or electrical and/or electronic configuration thereof should be improved. In particular, the intention is to indicate a compressor arrangement, a compressed air supply facility, preferably furthermore a compressed air supply system and a vehicle.

In particular, it is an object of the invention to indicate a compressor arrangement which is designed to be relatively compact, in particular both robust and relatively flexible, for operation of a compressed air supply facility. In particular, it is a further object to embody the apparatus in a simplified way and to design it for relatively reduced servicing and/or assembly outlay; the intention is likewise to sustainably improve a service life of the apparatus. In particular, it is yet another object of the invention to indicate an apparatus which can be operated in an improved manner, in particular in a relatively advantageously specified operating context, in terms of electrical, pneumatic and structural aspects. It is particularly advantageous that wow and flutter and noise pollution are advantageously reduced in an apparatus and, in particular, it should be possible to make synergistic use of electronic and electrical parameters of existing peripheral systems for open-loop and/or closed-loop control of an apparatus for producing compressed air.

Regarding the apparatus, the object is achieved by the invention by means of a compressor arrangement of the type stated at the outset in which, according to the invention, the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 are provided.

The compressor arrangement is designed for operating a compressed air supply facility of a vehicle and has a compressor having:

-   -   an electric motor, which is constructed as an electronically         commutated, brushless DC motor with a control circuit comprising         a power electronics unit (BL-DC motor),     -   a pneumatic compressor element. According to the invention, it         is envisaged that the electric motor is constructed in the form         of an external rotor motor.

Regarding the method, the object is achieved by the invention by means of a method in claim 24. According to the invention, it is envisaged that the compressed air supply facility of a vehicle is operated using a compressor arrangement in which the electric motor is constructed in the form of an external rotor motor.

In the context of a particularly preferred development of the method, provision can be made for storing a measure of the energy storage capacity for a rotational energy of the rotor.

The concept of the invention leads to a compressed air supply facility according to claim 21, to a compressed air supply system according to claim 18, to a vehicle according to claim 22 and to a vehicle according to claim 23.

The compressed air supply facility having the compressor arrangement is preferably designed for operating a pneumatic facility, in particular an air spring facility of a vehicle, and has:

-   -   a compressed air feed, a compressed air port leading to the         pneumatic facility and a vent port leading to the surroundings;     -   a pneumatic main line, which has an air dryer, in particular a         pilot controlled check valve of a valve arrangement, between the         compressed air feed and the compressed air port;     -   a vent line having a vent valve, in particular in combination         with a control valve of a valve arrangement, between the         compressed air port and the vent port, wherein     -   the compressed air feed can be supplied with compressed air that         can be produced by the compressor arrangement.

The pneumatic facility is preferably constructed in the form of an air spring facility, which has a gallery and at least one branch line connected pneumatically to the gallery and having a bellows and/or an accumulator and a directional control valve arranged ahead of the bellows and/or the accumulator.

The compressed air supply system having a pneumatic facility and having a compressed air supply facility is preferably designed for operating the pneumatic facility with a compressed air flow, in particular an air spring facility of a vehicle, preferably of a motor car, wherein the pneumatic main line pneumatically connects a compressed air feed from a compressor and a compressed air port leading to the pneumatic facility.

The vehicle, in particular motor car, is provided with a pneumatic facility, in particular an air spring facility, and a compressed air supply facility for operating the pneumatic facility with a compressed air flow.

In principle, the concept of the invention with the compressor arrangement configured in accordance with the invention can also be implemented for other applications in the vehicle sector, in particular in the motorcar and/or commercial vehicle sector; in particular, it is not restricted to a pneumatic facility in the form of an air spring facility. Thus, the compressor arrangement—with or without a compressed air supply facility for producing a compressed air flow and/or for preparing compressed air—can also preferably be used for other automotive pneumatic facilities. In principle, these include any type of compressor application in the vehicle sector, whether with a dynamic or static operating requirement profile, especially, for example, furthermore the use of the compressor arrangement according to the concept of the invention for an air-conditioning compressor application, in particular as part of an air-conditioning system in vehicles, for electrohydraulic compressor applications, in particular as part of a servo steering system or as part of a pump, in particular for an ABS/EBS hydraulic pump or a vacuum pump or the like.

The invention starts from the consideration that a compressor arrangement for operating a compressed air supply facility should provide a compressor in the form of a pneumatic compressor element which can be driven via a drive having an electric motor.

The invention furthermore starts from the consideration that an electronically commutated brushless motor—to this extent referred to as a brushless DC motor (BL-DC motor)—is advantageously suitable for constructing the compressor arrangement in a compact way and can nevertheless be configured in such a way that it can be operated sustainably and flexibly by means of the use in accordance with the invention of the electric motor in the form of an external rotor motor; this being the case, even given concepts with brush-fitted electric motors which are initially less expensive overall by way of comparison. The invention has recognized that such an electronically commutated, brushless electric motor can be embodied in a further improved way if the electric motor is constructed in the form of an external rotor motor. This provides the basis for enabling even dynamic requirements in the automotive sector to be met through the exploitation of an increase in the moment of inertia of the external rotor motor by means of the BLDC motor.

It is furthermore advantageously possible, by means of the structural design of the electric motor in the form of an external rotor motor, to achieve a considerable reduction in the installation space for the electric motor and hence for the compressor arrangement and also for the compressed air supply facility. In a first aspect, the invention has recognized that, in the context of the concept of the invention, an external rotor motor brings with it considerable advantages for the design, in particular the structural design, of the compressor arrangement.

Advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and, more specifically, indicate advantageous possibilities for implementing the concept explained above in the context of the object stated and in respect of further advantages.

The compressor element can be constructed as a single-cylinder compressor element. However, the compressor preferably has more than one cylinder; in particular, being constructed as a two-cylinder or multi-cylinder compressor element to form a two- or multi-stage compressor. In particular, it is possible for a stepped piston having two or more steps to be arranged in a two-cylinder or multi-cylinder arrangement of the compressor element to form the two- or multistage compressor. A stepped piston in a two-cylinder or multi-cylinder arrangement of the compressor element, in particular, proves capable of being configured in a space-saving, efficient and flexible way.

In particular, a whole series of advantages in terms of outlay when producing and servicing the compressor arrangement are obtained in respect of the first aspect, these advantages being based inter alia on one or more of the advantages, such as a reduction in the number of components, simplified assembly or the possibility of an integrated design or the elimination of separate parts. Thus, for example, it is found that, with the concept of the invention as a basis and with appropriate development of the concept, a balance weight, a housing cover, a separate crankshaft, a pressed composite part can be achieved or are possible in a technically reliable way and that this is not otherwise possible or not possible in the same advantageous way as with a development of the invention. In particular, it is possible, for example, for the electric motor to be accommodated in an advantageous way in a combined crankcase and/or motor housing in the form of an integrated drive housing.

Likewise, it is found that the magnetic properties of an external rotor motor can be used in an improved way to improve the performance of the electric motor. Moreover, mechanical loads on the electric motor can be achieved with an improved support bearing while eliminating the brushes. Overall, this leads to an increased service life of the motor.

An improved mode of operation of the motor is achievable simply by the fact that wow and flutter are fundamentally reduced in the case of an external rotor motor owing to an increased rotational moment of inertia; this has already taken into account a reduced susceptibility to wobbling operation with high current amplitudes. Irrespective of this, a rotor as an external rotor in an external rotor motor can be serviced, balanced and supported in an improved way.

In the context of a particularly preferred development, it is envisaged that the electric motor is connected for control to an electronic control circuit, which is designed to commutate the brushless motor electronically. The electric motor is preferably connected to an electronic commutator and at least one electronic relay and/or a DC-DC converter is provided in the power electronics unit, such that the power electronics unit has a DC voltage source as an input and an AC voltage source as an output.

A closed-loop control system, which can be implemented especially in the context of the control circuit, is based in the context of a particularly preferred development on the energy storage capacity of the rotor—according to the concept of the invention an external rotor, in particular a rotor bell or the like—and/or uses this to produce an improved “smooth” current profile. The storage capacity of the external-rotor-type rotor is obtained principally on the basis of its larger radius in comparison with its internal-rotor-type rotor and also given the possibility of increasing the mass at the outer radius of the external-rotor-type rotor. It is thereby advantageously possible to avoid reactive effects on the onboard electrical system when the electric motor is subject to high loads. It is possible, in particular, by means of closed-loop control, using the increased momentum of the external-rotor-type rotor in comparison with an internal-rotor-type rotor, to attenuate and/or reduce and/or delay load peaks in the onboard electrical system of the vehicle in an improved manner; in particular, it is thereby possible to avoid superposition of peak amplitudes in the case of a plurality of loads being used simultaneously. As a result, it is thereby possible to achieve a relief of the load on the onboard electrical system of the vehicle.

In a particularly advantageous way, it is envisaged that, in a particularly preferred first development, the electronic control circuit furthermore has: a first control module, which is designed to store a measure of an energy storage capacity for a rotational energy of the rotor, being designed, in particular, to monitor and or perform open-loop or closed-loop control of an angular speed of the rotor. Thus, it is advantageously possible, for example, to assist the storage of rotational energy in the external-rotor-type rotor during a startup in a first circumferential part of an angular motion (e.g. ¾ of a circumference during a starting angular motion (especially the acceleration phase)) and/or to assist the discharge of rotational energy by the external-rotor-type rotor during a rundown process in a second circumferential part of an angular motion (e.g. ¼ of a circumference during a rundown angular motion (especially the compression phase)). In the context of this particularly preferred development, it has been recognized, in particular, that monitoring of the angular speed is advantageous in order, first of all, to detect a wobbling mode of the electric motor and, to this extent, the prerequisites for avoiding a wobbling mode or for shutting it down as quickly as possible are created.

As a particularly preferred option, it is possible in the context of the abovementioned first development to implement a suitable speed significantly above the wobbling limit by means of the first control module. At the same time, a preferred prerequisite for the first development consists in an operating point of a BLDC motor, the definition of which is improved to the greatest possible extent. This can be achieved, in particular, by means of speed control. Provision is preferably made for the electronic control circuit to furthermore have: a second control module, which is designed to monitor a speed of the rotor, in particular to perform open-loop or closed-loop control of a speed of the rotor. In particular, the electric motor is connected to a speed controller, which is designed to set the operating voltage at the motor in an adjustable manner, preferably holding it constant or increasing it.

A particularly preferred second development has recognized that speed monitoring is at any event beneficial for securing the operating point. This advantageously results in the possibility of fault diagnosis (e.g. detection of a motor fault by way of matching or plausibility control of different parameters, e.g. from a motor current and speed measurement).

By means of a bandwidth, defined by control, of an angular speed and/or speed of the external-rotor-type rotor, it is advantageously possible to implement optimized matching of acoustics of the compressor arrangement to the vehicle. Thus, a “whisper mode” of the compressor arrangement can be implemented in the context of the electronic control circuit, for example; e.g. a “whisper mode” of the compressor arrangement with a reduced speed above the wobbling mode of the electric motor. For example, it has proven advantageous to keep the angular speed constant for a “whisper mode”. It is then possible, in addition or as an alternative, to permit a higher current ripple but lower wow and flutter. Use can also be made of these to make up for non-compensatable vibration transmission to the vehicle. “Anti-noise” control of the compressor arrangement can be introduced particularly in the context of this development by means of the electric motor in the context of the electronic control circuit but also, in addition or as an alternative, in conjunction with or via a central vehicle controller. These and other developments prove advantageous, in particular, in the case of an electric or hybrid vehicle, for example, in town traffic or when stationary for instance. These and other developments can also be supported by advantageous primary and secondary support for the electric motor and/or compressor, on the one hand, and of the compressor arrangement on the vehicle, on the other hand.

In particular, it has furthermore proven advantageous in the context of speed monitoring largely to eliminate but at least to reduce a dependence of the speed of the compressor, in particular first of all of the electric motor, on the voltage situation in the onboard electrical system. It can be advantageous to provide matching of the motor speed to an optimum functioning range of the overall assembly, e.g. in respect of the internal valves, piston speeds, bearings, allowance for motor-specific characteristic curves and parameters (speed; torque profile etc.). In particular, it has proven advantageous to achieve a minimization of the wear on the compressor by implementing a limitation of the speed by means of speed control if the piston speeds are too high, for example.

For this purpose, electric motor control and/or monitoring in real time can be provided for a BLDC motor.

For example, it has proven advantageous to read out the motor speed via an unenergized coil and to use this as a monitoring value and/or to use it as an ACTUAL value for speed control. A mechanical fault, e.g. the locking of the electric motor, can advantageously be detected.

By way of example, it has furthermore proven advantageous to provide evaluation of the current pulsation (e.g. peak-peak evaluation for speed analysis and/or averaging to determine power consumption).

In particular, it has proven advantageous to provide a control module which can determine the current crankshaft position. It is thereby advantageously possible to influence the starting and rundown behavior, especially, for instance, by means of determining the crankshaft position from a current peak at the top dead center position thereof. For example, the control module can maintain a high but defined torque (current) until a top dead center position of the electric motor has been reached or passed or until said motor is running normally; a shunt can advantageously be used for this purpose.

As regards the second aspect, it is found that control of the electric motor in the form of an external rotor motor is possible in a synergistic way and with synergistic use of existing peripheral systems in a pressure control mode. A third development has recognized that control can be used for electronic commutation of the brushless motor in a synergistic way in order to make available a pressure control mode. The particularly preferred development has recognized that an external rotor motor which is designed to be operated in a pressure control mode brings with it considerable advantages, in particular, for the electrical and/or electronic design of the compressor arrangement. A pressure control mode should be taken to mean, in particular, that the compressor is approved for appropriate pressure loads and/or a development of pressure in the compressor element is specifically monitored and controlled. In particular, it has proven advantageous, in the case of processes where time is not critical for example, to lower a pressure load by means of the electronic control circuit. For this purpose, slower accumulator or bellows filling by means of a reduced load speed can be provided where there is a lack of energy and a demand for air, for example. On the other hand, it is possible when required, especially in the case of processes where time is critical, to increase a pressure load in a controlled manner; for this purpose, it is possible, for example, to use possibilities for rapid lifting from compressor element by means of overspeed, e.g. a boost mode.

In a preferred fourth development, a fourth control module can be provided, which is designed to implement a gentle startup and/or rundown control operation, to limit a startup current and/or a rundown current of the electric motor (CSS), in particular to set the operating voltage at the motor in an adjustable manner, preferably holding it constant or reducing it. A complete armature winding can have three windings of three coils, which are connected, for example. At least one winding of the complete armature winding is preferably connected to an electric and/or electronic control circuit, with the result that a pressure control mode and/or gentle startup and/or adaptation to an onboard electrical voltage for the electric motor can be accomplished by means of voltage regulation. For example, it is possible to implement current limitation during starting and operation and/or minimization of the current peaks in the case of a “gentle startup” function, such as a slower speed increase for the electric motor. It is thereby possible, in particular, to prevent a load reversal shock on a shaft of the electric motor and/or compressor about the rotating axis due to a spontaneous increase in the back torque.

In particular, it is also possible to make provision for running down with the minimum possible power consumption (e.g. close to a bottom dead center position of the electric motor) to be used to relieve the load on an onboard electrical system by bringing about a reduction in a current flank associated with the minimum power consumption. For this purpose, a hard shutdown at minimum current can be used; the fourth control module can obtain a reference for each revolution.

In addition or as an alternative, it is advantageously possible to provide controlled, in particular electronic, braking of the motor at the shutdown torque. In particular, this can also be used to reduce a wobbling motion about the motor axis. This can be implemented effectively, especially owing to the higher mass of the external-rotor-type rotor.

In one embodiment, the armature winding is connected to the external control circuit and/or an onboard electrical system by means of an electronic relay and/or a DC-DC converter.

The electric motor is preferably connected to an electronic control circuit in terms of load and/or control. For this purpose, control current and/or load current can pass through the controller. The control circuit is preferably arranged on the outside of a housing of the compressor arrangement, preferably comprising at least one electronic relay and/or a DC-DC converter, and which has a first and/or second and/or third control module.

In the context of a particularly preferred development, it is envisaged that the electric motor is connected for control to an electronic control circuit, which is designed to electronically commutate the brushless motor. In this case, the electronic control circuit is furthermore designed to operate the electric motor in a pressure control mode.

It has proven particularly advantageous that the control circuit is accommodated as an internal control circuit in a housing of the compressor of the compressor arrangement. On the one hand, it is found that installation space for a power electronics unit and/or the control circuit can be created in the housing of the compressor; i.e., in particular, without significantly increasing the installation space requirement of the compressor. On the other hand, it is found that, in the case of a BLDC motor of the type in question, short cable lengths without twisting can be very much advantageous, e.g. in order to keep electromagnetic emissions as low as possible. Nevertheless, it is also possible to provide an external control circuit, i.e. outside the compressor, in particular outside the electric motor, i.e. outside a housing of the compressor and/or electric motor, in particular outside a combined compressor and motor housing, even in cases in which there is installation space available externally. For example, it is also advantageously possible for a control circuit to be provided as part of or in the vicinity of the ECU or some other central vehicle controller; synergistic effects can thereby be exploited.

In a particularly preferred development, the control circuit is connected to an electronic commutator. The control circuit furthermore preferably has a pressure control input and/or a connection to a speed controller. On this basis, the control circuit is, in particular, designed to set the operating voltage at the motor in an adjustable manner.

In particular, the control circuit is designed to hold the operating voltage at the motor constant or to increase it. At the same time, it has proven advantageous to further develop the control circuit, in particular the external control circuit, in the context of soft startup control. The control circuit preferably has a control module which is designed to implement soft startup control, limiting a starting current of the electric motor. In the context of the operating voltage that can be set in an adjustable manner, it can furthermore prove advantageous to hold this voltage constant or to lower it.

To set an operating voltage, the electric control circuit is advantageously designed to adapt an operating voltage, preferably in the form of an AC voltage source, to an onboard electrical system voltage—preferably alternately or optionally alternately or with the possibility of combination or simultaneously—in one or more of the voltage ranges, preferably a DC voltage, selected from the group of ranges comprising:

-   -   a voltage between 8 V and 50 V;     -   a voltage between 10 V and 15 V, preferably 12 V,     -   a voltage between 14 V and 37 V,     -   a voltage between 42 V and 49 V, preferably 48 V,     -   a voltage between 200-650 V. This development takes account of         the fact that a vehicle can be provided with an advanced 48 V         onboard electrical system, for example, but that it can         additionally have a second onboard electrical system with the         hitherto customary 12 V onboard electrical voltage. It is         initially an open question as to whether the first and/or the         second onboard electrical voltage is made available by means of         a battery and/or whether the voltage is produced by means of a         converter. In particular, it is also possible in the context of         a hybrid drive for a vehicle for at least one first and one         second onboard electrical system to be operated in parallel, it         being possible, in particular, for at least up to three onboard         electrical systems to be provided. According to the         abovementioned development, the compressor element can then be         operated on all three onboard electrical systems, for example,         but only on one of said systems at the same time.

The electric and/or electronic control circuit can preferably have a control module, in particular at least one electronic relay and/or a DC-DC converter. In the context of a particularly preferred development, it has proven advantageous that an electric and/or electronic control circuit comprises:

-   -   a DC voltage output for supplying a constant DC supply voltage         with a first output amplitude for controlling the electric motor         of the compressor and a DC-DC converter for producing the DC         supply voltage. In particular, the DC-DC converter has a         step-down converter and/or a step-up converter for this purpose.

The electric and/or electronic control circuit of the compressor arrangement preferably furthermore has:

-   -   a first DC voltage input for connection to a first DC voltage         source and/or a second DC voltage input for connection to a         second DC voltage source, wherein     -   a first DC voltage source, which supplies a first variable input         voltage, which corresponds approximately to the first output         amplitude and/or is lower, and a second DC voltage source, which         supplies a second input voltage, which is higher than the first         output amplitude.

As regards the structural design of the compressor arrangement, the construction of the electric motor in the form of an external rotor motor offers a particularly advantageous foundation for implementing advantages in terms of installation space and stability of running.

In particular, it is found that the compressor element can be driven by means of a drive formed by the electric motor and a crank mechanism, wherein the drive is accommodated in an integrated drive housing surrounding the crank mechanism and the electric motor. In particular, the integrated drive housing combines a motor housing and a crankcase and adjoins a piston housing.

It is advantageous if the electric motor has a stator, a rotor and a drive shaft coupled to the rotor, wherein the stator is held in the rotor in a manner separated by an air gap and is surrounded rotatably by the rotor, wherein the rotor is constructed with a rotor bell. In particular, it is envisaged that

-   -   the rotor carries a number of permanent magnets, and     -   the stator carries an armature, in particular a laminated core,         having an armature winding, which is preferably connected to an         electric and/or electronic control circuit.

The compressor element preferably has at least one connecting rod and/or at least one piston, which can be driven via a crankshaft, wherein the crankshaft is coupled to the drive shaft.

In principle, the permanent magnets can be formed in a comparatively simple and low-cost way on the basis of a ferrous material in the form of ferrite. Other materials, which can furthermore have weight advantages, are also suitable for advantageous magnetic design of the stator.

In particular, it has proven advantageous that the permanent magnets are formed on the basis of a ferrous material containing a cobalt compound, such as an aluminum-nickel-cobalt or samarium-cobalt-iron compound. In particular, the permanent magnets can also be formed on the basis of a ferrous material containing a bismuth compound, in particular a bismuth-manganese-iron compound (bismanol). It has proven advantageous in the context of a particularly preferred development that the permanent magnets are formed on the basis of a ferrous material containing a rare-earth compound, such as a neodymium compound, preferably a neodymium-iron-boron compound.

In the context of a particularly preferred development, a crankpin formed eccentrically with respect to the motor axis, which forms the crankshaft, adjoins the drive shaft on the motor output side. This can be implemented in a particularly compact way and offers the basis for further preferred design developments.

In particular, the crankpin can be attached to the drive shaft integrally or by means of an interference fit or similar frictional and/or positive connection. In addition or as an alternative, it is advantageously possible, at least in a connection part, for the rotor bell to be attached integrally or by means of an interference fit or a similar frictional and/or positive connection. In a first variant of this development, the rotor bell can be attached to the drive shaft. In a second variant, which is an alternative or can be used in combination, the rotor bell is attached to the crankpin. In this way, it is possible, in particular, to use the drive shaft, the crankpin and at least the connection part to form a crank mechanism component which is integral or formed by means of an interference fit or a similar frictional and/or positive connection.

It is found that a crank mechanism component of this kind can be supported in a particularly advantageous way, in particular in a stable manner and with advantages in terms of wow and flutter and/or noise generation. Nevertheless, the installation space for a bearing arrangement can be made relatively flexible, preferably according to requirements, and compact.

In a first particularly preferred variant of this development, the crank mechanism component can be supported by a bearing arrangement comprising a big end bearing and at least one axle bearing, in particular a big end bearing, preferably in the form of a rolling bearing, and a first and a second axle bearing. The bearing arrangement preferably has a big end bearing, a first axle bearing (A bearing) and a second axle bearing (B bearing). In particular a first axle bearing (A bearing) and/or a second axle bearing (B bearing) is formed by means of at least one rolling bearing or one needle bearing, in particular having at least one bearing sleeve.

In a second particularly preferred variant of this development, the crank mechanism component in combination with a counter bearing piece can be supported by a bearing arrangement comprising a big end bearing, an axle bearing and a counter axle bearing, in particular a big end bearing and precisely one first or one second axle bearing and the counter axle bearing. Thus, the bearing arrangement preferably has a big end bearing, preferably in the form of a rolling bearing, and a first axle bearing (A bearing) or a second axle bearing (B bearing) and a counter axle bearing.

In other words, it is possible in a preferred first modification for this for the bearing arrangement to comprise a big end bearing, precisely one axle bearing, namely the first axle bearing, and a counter axle bearing. In a preferred second modification, the bearing arrangement can comprise a big end bearing, precisely one axle bearing, namely the second axle bearing, and a counter axle bearing.

In particular, it is possible to obtain a balance weight by means of the rotor bell; by means of a compensating hole or similar removal of material, for instance, or by means of additional material applied on one side, for instance.

In addition or as an alternative, it is possible, in particular, to form the crank mechanism component or the counter bearing piece with a balance weight on the motor output side and eccentrically with respect to the motor axis.

In particular, it is possible in a first variant of this development for the balance weight to be formed between the big end bearing and the first axle bearing (A bearing) on the crank mechanism component, in particular integrally as part of a crankpin.

In particular, it is possible in a second variant of this development for the balance weight to be formed between the big end bearing and the counter axle bearing on the counter bearing piece, in particular integrally as part of a counter bearing piece.

In particular, the drive shaft can be supported in a first axle bearing, which is arranged directly adjacent to a big end bearing, in particular being supported only in the first axle bearing.

In particular, the rotor (FIG. 5) and/or the drive shaft (FIGS. 2, 3, 4) can be supported in a second axle bearing (B), which is arranged spaced apart from a big end bearing at least partially by the drive shaft, in particular being supported only in the second axle bearing.

In particular to achieve relatively stable support, the first and/or second axle bearing can be arranged outside the rotor bell. In particular to achieve relatively space-saving support, the first and/or second axle bearing can be arranged inside the rotor bell.

The compressor element preferably has a connecting rod which can be driven by means of a crankshaft, wherein the crankshaft is coupled to the drive shaft and wherein the drive shaft has an extension formed eccentrically with respect to the axle shaft on the output side, said extension forming the crankshaft. The extension is preferably attached integrally.

In particular, it has proven advantageous that the drive shaft has a diameter of less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm—and, in a particularly preferred embodiment, it has proven feasible to design the drive shaft with a diameter in a region of 12 mm or less. This is conducive overall to a compact design of the compressor arrangement and of the parts of the compressed air supply facility which are attached thereto.

This structural design of the compressor arrangement serves as a preferred basis for the support of the drive shaft and/or of the rotor in combination with the support of a connecting rod on the crankshaft.

In a first variant, which can be formed independently of other variants, it has proven advantageous that the drive shaft is supported in a first bearing (A bearing), which is accommodated in the electric motor, in particular in a housing of the electric motor. The drive shaft is preferably supported only in the first axle bearing. The latter option avoids static overdetermination and can be implemented in the context of a suitably designed rolling bearing and/or needle bearing. For this purpose, provision can be made, in particular, to provide a counterweight bearing and/or a counterweight on a rotating part, such as the drive shaft and/or the crankshaft.

In a particularly preferred second variant of a development, which can be implemented independently of other variants, it has proven advantageous that the rotor and/or the drive shaft is/are supported in a second axle bearing (B bearing); in particular, it can prove advantageous to support the rotor and/or the drive shaft only in the second axle bearing. The latter option once again avoids static overdetermination and, in particular, can be implemented advantageously using a counter bearing and/or counterweight on a rotating part, e.g. by means of a rolling bearing and/or needle bearing.

Both in the first and in the second variant, it has proven advantageous that a connecting rod is additionally supported on a big end bearing between the crankshaft and the connecting rod.

The possibility of supporting the rotor additionally or alternatively to the drive shaft proves advantageous, especially in the context of the design of the electric motor as an external rotor motor. With particular advantage, the rotor in one embodiment can be supported on the rotor bell additionally or alternatively to the drive shaft, e.g. in a rolling bearing. This increases the reliability of positioning of the rotating parts of the compressor arrangement.

Both the first axle bearing and the abovementioned second axle bearing can advantageously be provided in the electric motor, that is to say, in particular, in a housing of the electric motor, e.g. a housing closure of the electric motor or, alternatively, in the compressor element, in particular in a compressor housing, preferably in a compressor housing closure of the compressor element. It is found to be particularly advantageous to arrange the first and/or second bearing in a housing cap, for example in a housing cap on a housing closure of the electric motor or in a housing cap on a housing closure of the crankcase of the compressor element.

In the context of a preferred development, the first axle bearing (A bearing) can be arranged as an axle bearing on the motor output side, directly adjacent to a big end bearing; a big end bearing is intended to mean an axle bearing between the crankshaft and the connecting rod. In addition or as an alternative, the second axle bearing (B bearing) can be arranged directly adjacent to a housing closure. In particular, it is possible for this purpose for the second axle bearing to be designed as an axle bearing situated opposite the axle bearing on the motor output side.

At the same time, it has also proven advantageous, in a modification, for the first axle bearing (A bearing) to be arranged as an axle bearing on the motor output side, directly adjacent to a big end bearing, and for it to be arranged directly adjacent to a housing closure; the last-mentioned modification is described in a preferred embodiment in FIG. 6. The modification mentioned first is described in an embodiment in FIG. 7.

Thus it is advantageous in general terms for the second axle bearing to be arranged adjacent to a motor housing closure, in particular as an axle bearing situated opposite the axle bearing on the motor output side, opposite an output side of the motor—this advantageously being implemented in the context of the embodiment in FIG. 6.

The embodiment which is shown, in particular, in FIG. 7 conforms in general terms to the preferred development that the second axle bearing is arranged adjacent to a compressor-element housing closure, in particular as a bearing situated opposite the axle bearing on the motor output side, on an output side of the motor.

Thus—in a manner similar to the embodiment in FIG. 7—the big end bearing can be arranged in general terms directly between the first and the second axle bearing. In addition or as an alternative, it is also possible, as illustrated in FIG. 6 for example, for the big end bearing to be arranged adjacent to the first axle bearing and indirectly adjacent to the second axle bearing; for this purpose, the big end bearing and the second axle bearing can be spaced apart by a drive shaft and/or by the rotor, for example.

A rolling bearing has proven to be a particularly preferred form of a bearing for the embodiment of the first and/or second bearing. Particularly in the case where the first and/or second axle bearing is/are supposed to be the only axle bearing for the drive shaft and/or the rotor, it has proven advantageous to embody the axle bearing as a bearing sleeve.

In a particularly preferred development, it is envisaged that the drive shaft is supported in a bearing sleeve, in particular in the form of a needle bearing in the electric motor. As a preferred possibility, only the bearing sleeve is provided, while a connecting rod is additionally supported on a big end bearing between the crankshaft and the connecting rod.

In the context of a particularly preferred development, to spend advantageous that the big end bearing and/or the first axle bearing and/or the second axle bearing have a balance weight. A balance weight is advantageously formed on the drive shaft on the motor output side and eccentrically with respect to the axle shaft, between the big end bearing and the first axle bearing. In addition or as an alternative, a balance weight can be formed on the drive shaft and/or the crankshaft on the motor output side and eccentrically with respect to the axle shaft, between the big end bearing and the second axle bearing.

The first axle bearing (A bearing) is preferably fixed on an intermediate wall of the drive housing as an axle bearing on the motor output side.

In addition or as an alternative, the second axle bearing (B bearing) can be fixed, as an axle bearing situated opposite an axle bearing on the motor output side, on a housing outer wall, associated with the electric motor, of the drive housing, in particular on a protrusion thereof, preferably a housing cap, in particular adjacent to an electric motor housing closure.

In addition or as an alternative, the counter axle bearing can be fixed, as an axle bearing situated on the motor output side, on another housing outer wall, associated with the crank mechanism, of the drive housing, in particular on a protrusion thereof, preferably a housing cover plate, in particular adjacent to a compressor-element housing closure.

In the context of another particularly preferred development, it has proven advantageous that the stator and/or the rotor are held by means of a cantilever, which has a curved cantilever arm section having an approximately V-shaped cross section. Fundamentally, the cantilever arm section extends transversely to the drive shaft. To hold the stator, the cantilever on the one hand preferably adjoins a motor housing closure and, on the other hand, adjoins the stator by means of a cantilever arm extending transversely to the axle shaft of the drive shaft.

In a first modification, a first cantilever arm section for the stator can start at the drive housing.

In addition or as an alternative, it is possible, in a second modification, for a second cantilever arm section for the rotor to start at the drive shaft and/or the crankpin.

In both cases, for example, the first and/or second cantilever arm section, in particular, can be held integrally or by means of an interference fit or a similar frictional and/or positive connection.

To form the cantilever on the rotor, it is advantageous if, at one end, said cantilever adjoins the rotor and, at the other end, adjoins the drive shaft in the form of a cantilever arm extending transversely to the axle shaft of the drive shaft. The cantilever arms adjoining the rotor and the stator are preferably arranged opposite one another on the housing closure side and the output side, in particular being spaced apart by the stator.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are now described below with reference to the drawing. These are not necessarily intended to show the illustrative embodiments to scale; on the contrary, the drawing is embodied in a schematic and/or slightly distorted form, where helpful for explanatory purposes. In respect of additions to the teachings that can be identified directly from the drawing, attention is drawn to the relevant prior art. It should be taken into account here that many different modifications and changes as regards the form and detail of an embodiment can be made without departing from the general concept of the invention. The features of the invention which are disclosed in the description, in the drawing and in the claims may be essential either individually or in any combination for the development of the invention. Moreover, all combinations comprising at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawing and/or the claims may fall within the scope of the invention. The general concept of the invention is not restricted to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiment shown and described below or restricted to subject matter which would be restricted in comparison with the subject matter claimed in the claims. Where dimensional ranges are given, the intention is also to disclose values lying within the limits mentioned as limiting values and that it should be possible to apply them in any desired manner and to claim them. For the sake of simplicity, the same reference signs are used below for identical or similar parts or parts with an identical or similar function.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will emerge from the following description of the preferred illustrative embodiments and from the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram of a compressed air supply facility according to a particularly preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a compressed air supply facility having a first particularly preferred embodiment of a compressor arrangement having a motor in an integrated drive housing;

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a compressed air supply facility having a second particularly preferred compressor arrangement having a motor in an integrated drive housing;

FIG. 4 shows a schematically illustrated cutaway view of a combined motor housing and crankcase forming an integrated drive housing for a modified compressor arrangement on the basis of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a schematically illustrated cutaway view of a combined motor housing and crankcase forming an integrated drive housing for a compressor arrangement modified further in relation to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a schematically illustrated cutaway view of a combined motor housing and crankcase forming an integrated drive housing for a modified compressor arrangement on the basis of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 shows a schematically illustrated cutaway view of a combined motor housing and crankcase forming an integrated drive housing for a compressor arrangement modified further in relation to FIG. 6, in particular having a modified bearing arrangement for the drive shaft and the crankshaft and in relation to a development of the crankshaft having a balance weight;

FIG. 8 shows a schematically illustrated cutaway view of a combined motor housing and crankcase forming an integrated drive housing for a compressor arrangement modified further in relation to FIG. 6, in particular having a modified holding arrangement for a bearing and holding arrangement for a stator;

FIG. 9 shows a schematically illustrated cutaway view of a combined motor housing and crankcase forming an integrated drive housing for a compressor arrangement according to a third particularly preferred embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a compressed air supply facility 1000 which, in the present case, is designed to supply a pneumatic facility 1001 in the form of an air filtering facility of a motor car. The compressed air supply facility 1000 has a compressor arrangement having a compressor and a feed line 230 leading to the compressed air feed 1. Via the pneumatic feed line 230, ambient air can be drawn in via a filter 0.1 and an air feed 0 and fed to the compressor 330. For this purpose, the compressor 330 has a compressor element 331 driven by an electric motor 332. Connected to the compressed air feed 1 is a pneumatic main line 210 leading to the compressed air port 2, via which compressed air compressed by means of the compressor 330 can be fed to the pneumatic facility 1001. For this purpose, the pneumatic facility 1001 is connected to the compressed air port via another pneumatic line 240, which is connected to a gallery 250, from which, in turn, branch lines 251, 252, 253, 254, 255 emanate. 2/2-way valves 301, 302, 303, 304, 305 are arranged in the branch lines 251 to 255 in order to control feeding of the compressed air to a bellows of an air spring 311, 312, 313, 314 or a compressed air reservoir 315. Likewise connected to the gallery 250 is a voltage/pressure sensor 406 and a further voltage/pressure sensor 405 is connected directly to the compressed air reservoir 315. Respective displacement sensors 401, 402, 403, 404 for the front axle and the rear axle are assigned to the air springs or the associated 2/2-way valves 301 to 305.

The control state of the 2/2-way valves 301 to 305 can be set by means of control current lines 300, which are connected to an onboard electrical system 100 of the compressed air supply system 1002 and which are actuated by means of a vehicle controller or signal lines 301 emanating from the vehicle controller 410. Similarly, said sensors 401 to 406 are actuated by means of the vehicle controller 410 (ECU) via signal lines 401 and are supplied with current via sensor lines 400.

Signals on the signal lines 301, 401 are also made available to a vehicle bus 420, here in the form of a CAN bus.

The operation of the compressed air supply facility 1000 is as follows. Via a relay control line 510 between the vehicle controller 410 (ECU) and a relay 520 for controlling the compressor 330, the compressor is actuated in order to produce compressed air; for this purpose, the relay 520 is supplied with power via the power lines 500 and in accordance with the onboard electrical system 100. The compressed air available to the compressed air feed 1 is fed to the compressed air port 2 in the pneumatic main line 210 via an air dryer 211 and a restrictor 212 and is then made available as well to the gallery 250 of the pneumatic facility 1001 via the further pneumatic line 240.

To vent the pneumatic facility 1001 and/or the compressed air supply facility 1000 or pneumatic components thereof, compressed air can be passed in the opposite direction from the compressed air port 2, via the restrictor 212, regenerating the air dryer 211 in the pneumatic main line 210; here, further venting is accomplished by diverting the compressed air to be vented into a vent line 220 at the compressed air feed 1.

For this purpose, a pilot controlled vent valve 322 is actuated by a control pressure in the pneumatic control line 240 when the control valve 321 opens the pneumatic control line 240 to the actuating plunger of the vent valve 322. For this purpose, the control valve 321 can be controlled via a vent valve control power line 310, i.e. the solenoid thereof can be energized and transfers the control valve 321 from the first control position to the second control position counter to the spring force of a symbolically indicated spring of the control valve 321.

It is self-evident that the compressed air supply system 1002 shown and described in FIG. 1 is being used purely by way of example to illustrate a fundamental mode of operation of a compressed air supply system in general and that many different modifications and changes to the subject matter are possible. For example, a pilot controlled check valve, which is not shown specifically in FIG. 1 in the present case, can also be provided in the pneumatic main line 210 as part of the valve arrangement 320 comprising the control valve 321 and the vent valve 322.

Independently of the abovementioned aspect, it is possible in accordance with the concept of the invention to operate different electric and/or electronic components, especially on the onboard electrical system 100, instead of or in addition to the relay 520, especially in the context of the modifications and changes; preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in relation to this aspect. In particular, there is the possibility of various variants of an onboard electrical system which are advantageous for operating the compressor 330, that is to say, in this case, an electric motor 332 for operating the compressor element 331.

In the context of a first variant of a particularly preferred embodiment, FIG. 2 shows a structural implementation of a compressed air supply facility 1000. For the sake of simplicity, the same reference signs are used for identical or similar features of features with the same or similar function as in the diagram of the compressed air supply facility 1000 in FIG. 1. In the design drawings in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 of a compressed air supply facility 1000 and in the schematic cutaway views of the motor housing 1102 and of the crankcase 1101B in FIG. 4 to FIG. 9, the abovementioned arrangements can be seen as follows.

In the design drawing of the compressed air supply facility 1000 in FIG. 2, the housing arrangement 1100 thereof can be seen with a drive housing 30 for the purpose of embodying the compressor 330 comprising the compressor element 331 and the electric motor 332, wherein the drive 1400 in the form of an electronically commutated brushless electric motor 40—in this case a DC motor (BL-DC motor)—and the crank mechanism 1300 are accommodated in the drive housing 30.

For this purpose, the housing arrangement 1100 comprises a compressor-element housing 1101 for the compressor element 331 having a piston housing 1101A and a crankcase 1101B. Adjoining the crankcase 1101B of the compressor-element housing 1101 is a motor housing 1102 to form the electric motor 332. Adjoining the piston housing 1101A is a dryer and valve housing 1103 comprising the dryer housing 1103A—to form the air dryer 211—and the control housing 1103B comprising electrical and/or electronic and pneumatic interfaces together with a mechatronic system and an arrangement of valves—essentially to form the valve arrangement 320. Without explaining the design details specifically, it is readily apparent from FIG. 2 that the valve arrangement 320 and the air dryer 211 with a system, designated in FIG. 1, of pneumatic lines—in particular comprising the pneumatic main line 210 and the vent line 220 between the compressed air feed 1 and the compressed air port 2 or vent port 3—are implemented in this way in the valve and dryer housing 1103.

In the piston housing 1101A, a reciprocating piston 1301 is held on a connecting rod 1302 of a crank mechanism 1300. The connecting rod 1302 itself, which is designed as a piston rod, is supported on a crankshaft (designated below) via a big end bearing, which is here designated as an eccentric shaft 1304 or eccentric bearing 1303 of the crank mechanism 1300.

The drive 1400, formed with the electric motor 332, for the crank mechanism 1300 and the crank mechanism 1300 are substantially accommodated in the motor housing 1102 and the crankcase 1101B. To form the electric motor 332, the drive 1400 itself has a stator 1410 having a stator winding 1411 on an armature 1412 or similar yoke—in this case a laminated core. Moreover, the drive 1400 has a rotor 1420 having a rotor bell 1422 and an arrangement of permanent magnets 1421 mounted thereon. Here, the rotor bell 1422 comprises at least one rotor flange 41, a cantilever arm section 41.1 to form a cantilever dome and a rotor shell 42, in this case cylindrical, attached integrally thereto or in engagement therewith.

To form the motor 332 in the form of an external rotor motor for the drive 1400, the stator 1410 is held in the rotor 1420 while being separated by an air gap 1430 and is surrounded rotatably by the rotor 1420. Here, the rotor 1420 is held on an axle shaft 1305 and held so as to be rotatable therewith, while the stator 1410 is held by a supporting structure 1440. The rotatable axle shaft 1305 and crankshaft 1304 as well as the connecting rod 1302 form the essential power-transmitting elements of the crank mechanism 1300 driven by the drive 1400, wherein these elements are held in a bearing assembly 1500. The bearing assembly 1500 comprises an A bearing 1501, a B bearing 1502 and an eccentric bearing 1303 for the performance of a rotary motion by the axle shaft 1305 or crankshaft 1304 and a reciprocating motion of the connecting rod 1302. In this connection, the parts of the crank mechanism 1300, of the bearing assembly 1500 and of the holder 1440 or the rotor 1420 and of the drive housing 30—i.e. the motor housing 1102 and the crankcase 1101B—are explained below in detail using the reference signs, which also apply to the following FIGS. 3 to 9.

The axle shaft 1305, which is embodied as a drive shaft 10, is arranged in a manner centered with respect to a motor axis MA and held rotatably in the stator 1410, namely by means of the rolling bearings 1502, 1501 designated above, which are here referred to as axle bearings 51, 52 of the bearing arrangement 50. More specifically, the drive shaft 10 is held directly in a rotating manner in the second axle bearing 52 (B bearing) on a tapered journal 11 on the housing closure side and, at its untapered and, if appropriate, thickened second end 12 carries a crankpin 20 for the formation of the crankshaft 1304. In the present case, this crankpin 20 is fixed frictionally and/or positively by means of an interference fit on the drive shaft 10 and is rotatable with the drive shaft 10. The crankpin 20, in turn, is held directly in a rotatable manner in the first axle bearing 51 (A bearing), with the result that the drive shaft 10 is supported indirectly in the first axle bearing 51 via the crankpin 20. The first axle bearing 51 and the second axle bearing 52 are furthermore in practice arranged within the motor housing 1102, wherein the first axle bearing 51 is held in a centered manner in a first housing wall 31, which adjoins the crankcase 1101B or is formed as part thereof, and the second axle bearing 52 is held in a centered manner in a housing outer wall 32 of the motor housing 1102, said wall being situated opposite the output side. In the present case, the housing outer wall 32 is in the form of a closure cap for the motor housing toward the outside of the motor housing. In the present case, the first housing wall 131 is formed as part of the crankcase 1101B, wherein a housing part 33 in the form of an annular cylinder is connected to the first housing wall 31, onto which or into which part the abovementioned housing cap is placed. Via the crankcase 1101B there is in turn access to the crank mechanism 1300, namely via the housing cover plate 34 mounted on the output side in the crankcase 1101B, approximately as an extension of the motor axis MA. Inserted between the closure cap 32 and the cylindrical motor housing part 33 and between the latter and the first housing wall 31 and between the housing cover plate 34 and the remaining part of the crankcase 1101B there is in each case a seal, in particular in the form of a ring seal or lip-type ring seal 61, 62, 63, with the result that the motor housing 1102 and the crankcase 1101B—here referred to as drive housing 30—are closed off in an airtight and liquid-tight manner by the seal arrangement 60 comprising the abovementioned seals 61, 62, 63.

In the present case, the first and the second axle bearing 51, 52 are fixed centrally with respect to the motor axis MA in cylindrical protrusions 31.1 and 32.1 on the first and second housing walls 31, 32, into which the axle bearings 51, 52 are inserted. Taking into account also the seals 61, 62 as damping elements, the first and the second housing wall 31, 32 thus advantageously serve to hold the drive shaft 10 in a manner centered by means of the first and second axle bearings 51, 52 and with a certain vibration damping.

Moreover, adjacent to the crankpin 20 mounted on the first end 11, the drive shaft 10 carries a rotor flange 41 of approximately V-shaped cross section, on which a cantilever arm section 41.1 in the form of a cantilever dome is formed to form an approximately V-shaped cantilever, said section being cylindrical and extending approximately transversely to a motor axis MA of the drive shaft in cross section. A cylindrical body, a rotor shell 42, which is cylindrical and can be seen as a first and a second limb parallel to the motor axis MA in cross section, is, in turn, connected to the cantilever arm section 41.1 to form the rotor bell 1422 designated above, on which, in turn, the arrangement of permanent magnets 1421 is mounted. In the present case, the rotor flange 41 is mounted by means of an interference fit on the first end 11 of the drive shaft 10, like the crankpin flange 21 of the crankpin 20. In a modification, the connections designated here as flanges 21, 41 with an interference fit can also be embodied as an integral connection to the drive shaft 10—in other words, the drive shaft 10 can be formed integrally with the flanges 21, 41 and, if appropriate, the adjoining cantilever arm section 41.1 and, if appropriate, the rotor shell 42 and/or crankpin 20.

The crankpin 20 furthermore has a crankpin base 22, which is centered eccentrically on an eccentric axis EA, and a balance weight 23, which is situated opposite said base in relation to the motor axis MA, with the result that the unbalance of the crankpin base 22 and of the balance weight 23 balance each other out approximately during rotary actuation of the crankpin 20—this also approximately takes into account the weight of a screw 29 in crankpin stub 22, said screw holding a big end bearing 53 of the bearing arrangement 50 on the crankpin stub 22 when tightened, exerting pressure on a washer 28. The above-designated connecting rod 1302 is supported on the big end bearing 53 on a bearing opening of a lug or the like, said bearing opening being designated there by 1303. The bearing arrangement 50 of the first and the second axle bearing 51, 52 and of the big end bearing 53 first of all provides for the alignment of the first axle bearing 51 and of the big end bearing 53 on the crankpin 20—the first axle bearing 51 on the crankpin flange 21 and the big end bearing 53 on the crankpin stud 22—in such a way that they are arranged directly adjacent to one another; these being associated with the first end 11 of the drive shaft 10 on the output side of the motor 40. The bearings being the second axle bearing 52 (B bearing) is associated with the second end 12 of the drive shaft 10, the end situated opposite the output side. In the present case, both the first and the second axle bearing 51, 52 are arranged outside the stator 1410 and also outside the rotor 1420 of the drive 1400 and therefore are situated, in particular, outside the extent of the rotor shell 42—as seen relative to an extent of the motor axis MA. This has advantages, in particular, as regards the stability of support for the drive shaft 10 since said drive shaft is in practice supported at its end points, namely at the outermost end of the first end 11 of the drive shaft 10 and at the outermost end of the second end 12 of the drive shaft 10. Moreover, wow and flutter during the rotary actuation of the drive shaft 10 and the crankpin 20 are kept relatively small owing to a close proximity of the first axle bearing 51 and big end bearing 53 and of the mutually opposite moments of weight of the balance weight 23 and of the crankpin stud 22.

It is a relatively simple matter to install the first axle bearing 51 and the big end bearing 53 with the components adjoining them by means of access via a housing cover plate 34 in the crankcase 1101B. It is a relatively simple matter to install the second axle bearing 52 by removing the housing cap 32 on the motor-side cylindrical part 33 of the drive housing 30. In the present case, the cantilever arm support holder 32.2, designated above as supporting structure 1440 also adjoins the abovementioned housing cap 32. The cantilever arm support holder 32.2 for supporting the stator 1410 is formed concentrically around the cylindrical protrusion 32.1 on the housing cap 32 and fits over said protrusion in the direction of the motor axis MA while leaving an air gap 1450 between the drive shaft 10 and the cantilever arm structure 1440.

The housing cover toward the outside of the motor housing 1102 is thus constructed in the form of a bearing shield in order, on the one hand, to serve as a bearing receptacle for the second axle bearing 52 and, on the other hand, for the mounting of the cantilever arm structure 1440.

In a modification of the first variant, the second axle bearing 52 can be brought closer to the stator 1410, in particular can be accommodated in the yoke 1412 or laminated core and the winding 1411, i.e. in the installation space for these (e.g. as shown schematically in FIG. 4). It is also possible, in a second modification, for the first axle bearing 51 to be filled in such a way that the rotor flange 41 of the cantilever arm section 41.1, in particular the rotor shell 42, is formed in such a way as to be combined with the crankpin flange 21 of the crankpin 20 or so as to be integral therewith or so as to come to rest thereon. Both modifications lead to shortening of the overall length along the extent of the drive shaft 10 because the installation space for the first and the second axle bearing 51, 52 in the axial direction is reduced to the installation space for the rotor flange 41 and crankpin flange 21 and/or for the stator 1410.

In all the abovementioned cases, the preferred variant shown in FIG. 2 and also that shown in FIG. 3 offer an embodiment the possibility of protecting a rotor 1420 in a particularly effective way from contact and contamination from outside and furthermore the possibility of encapsulating the entire motor in a manner which meets EMC requirements. In the case of the structural design shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the armature 1412 or the laminated core associated therewith as well as the stator winding 1411 no longer necessarily has to be designed to absorb bearing forces. This eliminates impairment of the magnetic flux through bearing apertures in the laminated core of the armature 1412. On the contrary, the required bearing forces for the bearing arrangement 50 are entirely absorbed in the drive housing 30 in the present case. This structural embodiment also offers the possibility of embodying the size of the axle bearings 51, 52, 53, 54 in an improved way since it is no longer limited by the stator 1410, in particular is no longer limited to the installation space for the yoke 1412 and the stator winding 1411. As a result, the rotor 1420 can be designed in an optimized way for the ratio of mass to moment of inertia. This leads to a particularly good approach to avoiding wow and flutter, exploiting the relatively high moment of inertia of the rotor 1420 with the abovementioned structural design of a rotor shell 42.

Overall, significantly improved efficiency of the compressor 330, especially of the electric motor 332, is obtained. The overall efficiency of the compressed air supply facility 1000 is thereby improved to a considerable degree. Also contributing to this is a significantly improved power to weight ratio with a considerably reduced installation space volume. Increases in power of up to five times that of previous brush-fitted motors at the rated voltage are possible. Eliminating the wear of the carbon as compared with the brush-fitted motor results in a significantly extended life for the brushless motor, and this is achieved without the risk of contamination of the compressor 330 and of the dryer 211 due to brush abrasion.

By means of a control circuit, to be found in the developed versions, in the mechatronic part of the compressed air supply facility 1000 or, alternatively, externally with respect thereto—in particular an electronic control circuit for electronic commutation of the brushless motor and/or speed adjustment in the pressure control mode and/or for implementing a soft startup control regime and/or for adapting an onboard electrical voltage—it is possible to perform the control of the motor synergistically; i.e. at neutral cost with multiple functions. In this way, for example, it is possible, by means of the electric motor 332, to intensify specified speed changes of up to 100 rpm over the charging process. In this case, such a speed can be set independently of a supply voltage of the onboard electrical system. Overall, very good smoothness of running is obtained, even at relatively low speeds. In all cases, the starting behavior can be influenced in an effective manner by means of suitable controllers.

Moreover, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has the advantage that it is compatible with a large number of housing arrangements 1101A, 1103 of a piston housing or dryer.

FIG. 3 shows a second variant of a preferred embodiment of a compressed air supply facility 1000, in which, given the identical embodiment of the dryer housing 1103 and of the piston housing 1101A, the same reference signs have been used for identical parts or features or parts with an identical or similar function. In particular, attention is drawn in this respect to the description of FIG. 2. It is therefore primarily the differences between the second variant and the first variant of the compressor arrangement which will be explained below.

In this connection, FIG. 3 furthermore shows the crank mechanism 1300 and the drive 1400 with the electric motor 40 and the compressor housing 30. Attention is drawn once again to the drive shaft 10 having a first end 11 and a second end 12 and axle bearings 51, 52 mounted thereon, the latter directly and the former via the crankpin flange 21 of the crankpin 20, on which the big end bearing 53 of the bearing arrangement is once again mounted. To this extent, the second variant of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 likewise provides an external arrangement of the axle bearings 51, 52 on the outermost end of the drive shaft 10 and also approximately the same embodiment of a transmission between the drive shaft 10 and the crankpin 20 with the first axle bearing 51 and big end bearing 53.

This time, however, the holder for the stator 1410 is associated with the output-side part of the motor 40, while the mounting of the rotor flange 41 is initially adjacent to the outward-facing housing closure 32. Thus, the axial arrangement of the stator 1410 and of the rotor 1420 is mirror-symmetrical about a perpendicular to the motor axis MA. The rotor flange 41 and the crankpin flange 21 are now spaced apart by the stator 1410. The rotor flange 41 is mounted directly adjacent to the second axle bearing 52 on a thickened part 13 of the drive shaft 10, which directly adjoins the tapered end part 12 of the drive shaft. The open side of the rotor shell 42 faces in the direction of the output side of the motor 40, while the cantilever arm dome 41.1 of the rotor 1420 approximately follows the curvature of the housing closure 32. Improved shielding of the motor parts from the outside environment is thereby achieved in addition to the housing cap 32. In contrast to the first variant in FIG. 2, the approximately V-shaped supporting structure 1440 for the stator 1410 with the abovementioned cylindrical cantilever arm support 32.2 is now mounted not on the housing cap 32 but on the intermediate wall 31 of the crankcase 1101B. This has the advantage that what may be a heavy load of the stator 1410 is secured on a relatively stable housing part. Moreover, the motor 40 can be built in a relatively simple manner via an open housing cap 32 by first of all inserting the first axle bearing 51 into the housing protrusion 31.1, after which the cantilever arm support 32.2 is attached while mounting the stator 1410, and the rotor shell 42 with the permanent magnets 1421 is then attached, with the rotor flange 41 being mounted on the drive shaft 10. Finally, the second axle bearing 52 is mounted with the housing cap 32. The big end bearing 53 can once again be mounted via the housing cover plate 34 of the crankcase 1101B. Fundamentally, this or a similar arrangement has an effect on a torsional vibration behavior: in particular, torsional damping may be expedient in this connection. A fixed and/or floating bearing assembly is preferably provided so that as small as possible a change in position at the big end bearing has to be accepted in the case of heat-induced distortion. Admittedly, a support bearing assembly is possible in principle. However, torque transmission in accordance with the design in FIG. 3—via a relatively long shaft—and in accordance with the design in FIG. 2—via a relatively short shaft—has proven fundamentally advantageous. In the case of a short shaft, it is advantageously possible, in a modification, for the flange of the rotor bell and the crankshaft to be embodied as a single component.

FIG. 4 shows schematically the drive housing 30 with the abovementioned crankcase 1101B and motor housing 1102, the crank mechanism 1300 with drive shaft 10 and crankpin 20 as already described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. As regards the big end bearing 53 and the first axle bearing 51, the bearing arrangement 50 is embodied as in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In the present case, the second axle bearing 52 is arranged on the drive shaft 10 within the rotor shell 42 of the rotor 1420 and furthermore in the stator 1410, namely being integrated in the laminated core of the armature 1412 for the winding 1411. The motor housing 1102 is closed by means of a housing cap 32 and can be embodied in a simplified way without the protrusion 32.1, as in the present case, since the second axle bearing 52 is held in the stator 1410.

FIG. 5 shows another modification of the subject matter, wherein the crank mechanism 1300 is once again embodied as described above in the drive housing 30. In the present case of the motor 40 for the formation of the drive 1400, the stator 1410 is embodied substantially as described in FIG. 2, wherein the rotor 1420 is aligned as described in FIG. 2. In the present case, the crankpin flange 21 of the crankpin 20 carries both the first axle bearing 51 and the supporting bell 41.1 of the rotor to form the rotor shell 42. At its end adjacent to the second end 12 of the drive shaft 10, the rotor shell 42 has an offset section 42.1—in this case an annular section—which is supported on the second axle bearing 52. The second axle bearing 52 is in turn fixed on a cylindrical protrusion 32.1 on the housing cap 32 of the motor housing 1102. The first axle bearing 51 is accommodated in the installation space for the stator 1410 (similarly to the second axle bearing in accordance with the modification in FIG. 4). Together with the rotor shell 42, the rotor 1420, which is held on the drive shaft 10 by means of the rotor flange 41, is thus furthermore supported on the second axle bearing 52 at the end opposite the supporting bell 41.1 by means of the offset section 42.1.

In the modification of the embodiment in FIG. 2, which is shown in FIG. 5, the rigid bearing journal 14 is, in turn, of hollow design in the present case and is capable of accommodating a cable guide in the cavity. This is optional. Overall, it is found that the drive shaft 10 in accordance with the modification in FIG. 5 can be held with relatively little torsional loading. Support is provided via the rotor shell 42 on the offset section 42.1—in this case an annular section—or on the rotor flange 41 while involving the crankpin 20. In contrast, the rotor shell 42 can be embodied in such a way with a suitably configured weight distribution—e.g. through configuration of the offset section 42.1 and/or of the cantilever arm 41.1—that, the present case of the modification, a balance weight 23 on the crankpin 20 (as in the embodiments in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4) becomes unnecessary. In other words, a balance weight is implemented by means of a suitable weight distribution on the rotor shell 42 in the present case. For example, the offset section 42.1 and/or, as a particularly advantageous option, on the cantilever arm 41.1 situated closer to the crankpin 20, can be provided with a different weight on different sides of the motor axis MA, e.g. by thickening or making holes or taking similar material-modifying measures. Such a measure on the cantilever arm 41.1 is particularly conducive to the avoidance of a wobbling motion of the rotor shell 42 since a balance weight is then positioned relatively close to the origin of the unbalance, namely the connecting rods 1302 in particular. Moreover, the modification to the second variant of the embodiment in FIG. 3 is distinguished by a particularly short installation space requirement in the direction of the motor axis MA. This is because, on the one hand, the first axle bearing 51 is integrated in the stator 1410 and is implemented on the crankpin 20, incorporating the rotor journal 41 or supporting bell 41.1. On the other hand, the second axle bearing 52 is likewise implemented directly on the rotor 1410, namely on an offset section 42.1 of the rotor shell 42. The modification of the embodiment in FIG. 5 thus implements the as yet shortest structural form while relieving the drive shaft 10 of torsional load; the modification thus follows a principal of reducing the installation space requirements, whereas the embodiment in the first and second variants in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 tends to provide relatively stable support for the drive shaft 10, i.e. support implemented over as long as possible a distance; this being at the expense of the installation space requirements. As the modification of the embodiment in FIG. 4 shows, it is quite possible to make a compromise between the fundamental principles in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, on the one hand, and those in FIG. 5, on the other hand, while weighing up the installation space requirements and stability and torsional requirements on a drive shaft. The lower the torsion requirements on the shaft 10, the lighter the drive shaft 10 can be made and the smaller its diameter can be. Thus, it is found to be quite possible for the embodiments in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 to be embodied with drive shafts, the diameters of which are less than 15 mm. With a view to relieving the load on the drive shaft 10, it is quite possible for the diameter to be reduced even further, e.g. to a diameter of less than 12 mm, in particular less than 10 mm, this preferably being the case with the modification of the embodiment in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 shows another modification of a drive 1400 in combination with a crank mechanism 1300, said modification being based on the first variant of an embodiment in FIG. 2. As in FIG. 6, the embodiment of the motor 40 is shown schematically and implemented largely in accordance with the first variant in FIG. 2. In the present case, however, the first, drive-side end 11 of the drive shaft 10, the supporting bell 41.1 and the rotor shell 42 are of integral design. As an alternative, the drive shaft can be of integral design with the supporting bell 41.1 and the rotor shell 42 with the permanent magnets can be mounted on. In both cases, the permanent magnets (not shown specifically in FIG. 6) can be mounted on separately to an integral cylindrical part of the rotor shell 42. The integral cylindrical part can be formed integrally with the drive shaft 10 and the supporting bell 41.1 or can be made available as a separate part and assembled. The modification in FIG. 6 of the first variant in FIG. 2 furthermore optimizes a relatively sustainable support arrangement for the drive shaft 10, which, being embodied integrally with the crankpin 20, is furthermore provided with counter support by a counter bearing piece 70 fixed rotatably on the crankpin. For this purpose, the counter bearing piece 70 engages by means of a bearing journal 71 in the crankpin stub 22 and furthermore has a balance weight 73. The counter bearing piece 70 is then supported in the counter axle bearing 54, wherein the counter axle bearing 54 is held on the housing cover plate 34 of the crankcase 1101B; namely is held in a protrusion 34.1 on the housing cover plate 34. In the present case too, a relatively short installation space is achieved since the support for the drive shaft 10 by means of the first and the second axle bearing 51, 52 extends over the entire installation space of the motor housing 1102 and crankcase 1101B, which nevertheless leads to reliable support for the drive shaft—however, the drive housing 30 can furthermore be embodied in practice as a single housing space comprising the crankcase 1101B and the motor housing 1102, wherein a dividing wall 31 between the housing parts is no longer actually provided.

Moreover, the modification in FIG. 6 also offers the advantages of the possibilities, described by means of FIG. 5, of implementing a balance weight on the rotor or on the rotor shell 42—this is evident from the smaller size of the balance weight 73 on the counter bearing piece 70. In the present case, however, it is possible above all to achieve the integration of the drive 40 with the crank mechanism 1300 in a single housing 30 without further incorporation of a dividing wall. The integral embodiment of the drive shaft 10 with the crankpin stub 20 and the rotor shell 42 to form the driving component may be mentioned as particularly advantageous in the modification in FIG. 6.

In order to pursue this principle consistently further, the modification in FIG. 7, which is based on the first variant of the embodiment in FIG. 2, is embodied substantially in the same way as the modification in FIG. 6 as regards the crank mechanism 1300 while retaining the bearing piece 70 attached to a crankpin stub 22 as described above. In the present case of the modification in FIG. 7, a second axle bearing 52 held in a housing cap 32 is omitted, and hence there is no need to provide a separately removable housing cover on the housing 30, particularly on the outside of the motor. On the contrary, the housing 30 is now embodied as a drive housing, integrating the motor housing 1102 and the crankcase 1101B as an overall housing for the drive 1400 and the crank mechanism 1300, and all that is required is to open this on one side; here, this is implemented by means of the housing cover plate 34 and the protrusion 34.1. The abovementioned counter axle bearing 54 for supporting the bearing part 70 is held in the protrusion 34.1 on the housing cover plate 34. The drive shaft 10, which is embodied in a substantially shortened way—thus being reduced to the part of a crankpin stub flange 21 or rotor flange 41 on the first end 11 of the drive shaft 10, said part now being integral and coinciding—is held in a first axle bearing 51 arranged directly adjacent to the big end bearing 53.

In summary, the embodiments in FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 envisage the replacement of the first axle bearing 51 by a further counter axle bearing 54, which is held on the housing cover plate 34 of the housing 30, namely the previous crankcase 1101B, wherein the second axle bearing 52 is retained. The modified variant in FIG. 7 envisages the replacement of the second axle bearing 52 by the further counter axle bearing 54, wherein the first axle bearing 51 is retained. Thus, by means of the modified variant shown in FIG. 7, what is probably the most compact design for a drive 1400 having a crank mechanism 1300 is obtained, involving the integration of the previous crankcase 1101B and the motor housing 1102 in a single drive housing 30 having a housing cover plate 34.

With reference to FIG. 8, this envisages substantially analogous measures to those in the embodiment in FIG. 6, for which reason reference is made for the further description thereof to the description of FIG. 6, in particular. In particular, this relates to the embodiment of the bearing arrangement 50 with the second axle bearing 52, big end bearing 53 and further counter axle bearing 54. This time, however, the balance weight 73 is embodied on the counter bearing piece 70 within the further bearing 54; thus, the counter bearing piece is embodied in an eccentric way. Admittedly, the second axle bearing 52 is now arranged so as to rest on the housing cap 32, wherein the housing cap 32 is embodied in such a way as to be shortened transversely to the motor axis. The latter measure is implemented in favor of a modified stator holder 1440 for the stator 1410, which now extends transversely to the motor axis MA along a radius from a circumference radially on the outside to the radial circumference of the second axle bearing and then reaches through to the stator 1410 along the motor axis in order to hold a yoke of said stator with the armature winding. Thus, the stator holder has a first limb 32.3 and a second limb 32.4, which essentially assumes the function of the cantilever arm designated by 32.2 in FIG. 2. This time, the first limb 32.3 is fixed on a cylindrical part of the motor housing 1102. As regards the saving of installation space, the modification in FIG. 8 achieves good values similar to the modification in FIG. 7 since an additional space requirement for the second axle bearing 52 is eliminated as compared with the modification in FIG. 6. As is apparent from FIG. 8, the second axle bearing 52 is namely in practice integrated with the stator holder 1440 in the installation space for the stator 1410 and nevertheless as effective as possible utilization of the installation space for the motor 40 is ensured since the rotor shell 42 can extend virtually to the stator holder 1440 along the motor axis MA. Once again, integration is accomplished in a common housing 30 formed by a motor housing part 102 and a crankcase part 1101B.

FIG. 9 shows a genuine third variant of an embodiment of a crank mechanism 1300 and of a drive 1400 having a motor 40, wherein the same reference signs are used for identical or similar parts or parts having the same or a similar function. In the embodiment shown here too, similarly to the situation in the embodiments in FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, the drive shaft 10 is embodied integrally with crankpin 20 and supporting bell 41.1, if appropriate also being embodied integrally with the rotor shell 42. The fundamental arrangement corresponds to the arrangement of the rotor and stator based on the second variant in FIG. 2, being quite similar to that already explained in FIG. 6 to FIG. 8. In the present case of the third embodiment, the bearing arrangement 50 now consists of the big end bearing 53 and—while omitting the first and second or further axle bearings—a needle bearing 55. The needle bearing 55 is a rolling bearing with a low profile. The rolling elements resemble needles in the form of relatively thin and very long cylindrical rollers 55.1, 55.2. The needle bearing 55, having two rolling elements 55.1, 55.2 along the drive shaft 10 in the present case, is shown only symbolically in FIG. 9 and can be implemented in various designs. For example, a rolling element cage containing rolling elements without an external housing can be provided to form needle rings. It is also possible for a needle bearing to be provided with inner rings; this requires only a simply drawn shaft. Finally, it is also possible to implement a needle bearing without an inner ring; this requires a hardened race on the drive shaft 10. All the abovementioned designs can be embodied in single-row form, i.e. with one row of rolling elements, and in multi-row form—with two rolling element rows 55.1, 55.2 as in the present case.

Owing to the elimination of the requirement for a first, second axle bearing 51, 52 or further axle bearings, such as an abovementioned counter axle bearing 54, said requirement taking up installation space, the modification in FIG. 9 is also distinguished by a particularly short construction, not only along the motor axis MA but, owing to the low height of the needle bearing 55, also as particularly space-saving in a radial direction. FIG. 9 also shows a cable harness 80, which is passed to the outside through the housing cap 32—this being applicable in principle in all the abovementioned embodiments in FIG. 2 to FIG. 8.

Overall, the following advantages are obtained from the embodiments described above:

-   -   a significant reduction in the installation space     -   a reduction in components     -   simplification of assembly     -   a crankshaft 1304/crankpin 20 becomes an integrated component of         the rotor     -   elimination of the separate balance weight through integration         into the rotor, e.g. as a hole or offset (FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and         FIG. 8)     -   elimination of one of two covers on the motor space axis, e.g.         of the crankcase cover (cf. housing cover plate 34 in FIG. 6)     -   integration of the entire motor in the crankcase is possible by         means of the drive housing 30     -   elimination of a separate crankshaft with balance weight     -   simpler assembly and design of the motor bearings (axle bearings         51, 52, counter axle bearing 54) through elimination of pressure         assembly     -   improvement of the magnetic properties in variants without a         motor shaft passing all the way through (FIG. 6-FIG. 8)     -   now only support for the motor shaft (drive shaft 10) without         torsional loading (e.g. in FIG. 4)     -   simple, inexpensive support by a needle sleeve instead of twin         ball or rolling bearings possible (FIG. 9)     -   simple balancing of the rotor bell 1422, e.g. by means of holes     -   weight saving due to smaller construction of the overall         assembly     -   energy-saving through better efficiency     -   increase in the service life of the motor/motor bearings through         elimination of brush abrasion     -   reduction in wow and flutter through increased rotational moment         of inertia of an external-rotor-type rotor; as a result reduced         susceptibility to wobbling at high current amplitudes     -   improved smoothness of running; preferably through the use of an         external rotor     -   external rotor with high rotational moment of inertia and better         evenness of running (structure borne noise) with a reduced mass         but optimum mass distribution     -   larger diameter of the rotating motor part (energy accumulator)     -   high moment of inertia compensates the wow and flutter owing to         the lower overall weight and reduces the structure borne noise     -   winding of the stator 1410 generally does not require potting     -   wound armature 1412 is stationary and no longer has to be         balanced.     -   no brush wear and hence also         -   no more contamination, especially of the filters and of the             granules (absorbent) for air drying         -   good cooling and ventilation simpler and free from             contamination         -   rotor bell can simultaneously be designed as a fan for             cooling the winding     -   extension of service life     -   use in hybrid or electric vehicles is advantageous for acoustic         reasons; suitable EMC measures already provided     -   shorter designs overall for more rigid configurations of the         drive shaft are possible

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   0.1 filter -   0 air feed -   1 compressed air feed -   2 compressed air port -   3 vent -   3.1 venting damper etc. -   10 drive shaft -   11 tapered journal, first end -   12 second end, tapered part of the drive shaft -   13 thickened part of the drive shaft -   14 rigid bearing journal -   20 crankpin -   21 crankpin flange of the crankpin -   22 crankpin stub -   23 balance weight -   28 washer -   29 screw -   30 compressor housing, drive housing -   31 housing wall, intermediate wall, dividing wall -   31.1, 32.1 cylindrical protrusions as bearing seats -   32 housing outer wall, motor housing wall, closure cap, housing     closure -   32.2 cantilever arm support holder, cantilever arm -   32.3 first limb -   32.4 second limb -   33 housing part in the form of cylindrical ring -   34 cover plate, covering plate -   34.1 protrusion on the cover plate -   40 motor -   41 rotor flange, rotor journal -   41.1 cantilever arm, cantilever arm section, supporting bell -   42 rotor shell -   42.1 offset section -   50 bearing arrangement -   51, 52, 53, 54 axle bearing -   53 big end bearing -   55 needle bearing -   55.1, 55.2 cylindrical rollers, rolling elements -   60 seal arrangement -   61, 62, 63 seals -   70 counter bearing piece -   71 bearing journal -   73 balance weight -   80 cable harness -   100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F onboard electrical system -   102 motor housing part -   210 pneumatic main line -   211 air dryer -   212 restrictor -   220 vent line -   230 feed line -   240 pneumatic line -   250 gallery -   251, 252, 253, 254, 255 branch lines -   300 control power lines -   301, 302, 303, 304, 305 2/2-way valve -   301, 401 signal lines -   310 vent valve control power line -   311, 312, 313, 314 air spring -   315 compressed air reservoir -   320 valve arrangement -   321 control valve -   322 vent valve -   330 compressor -   331 compressor element -   332 electric motor -   400 sensor lines -   401, 402, 403, 404 sensors, signal lines -   405, 406 voltage/pressure sensor -   410 vehicle controller -   420 vehicle bus -   500 supply power line -   510 relay control line -   520 relay -   1000 compressed air supply facility -   1001 pneumatic facility -   1002 compressed air supply system -   1100 housing arrangement -   1101 housing -   1101A piston housing -   1101B crankcase -   1102 motor housing -   1103 dryer and valve housing -   1103A dryer housing -   1103B control housing -   1300 crank mechanism -   1301 piston -   1302 connecting rod, piston rod -   1303 eccentric bearing, bearing opening -   1304 eccentric shaft, crankshaft -   1305 axle shaft, axle shaft -   1400 drive of the crank mechanism -   1410 stator -   1411 stator winding -   1412 yoke, armature with insulation star -   1420 rotor -   1421 permanent magnets -   1422 rotor bell -   1430 air gap or wound insulation -   1440 supporting structure, holder -   1450 air gap or wound insulation -   1500 bearing arrangement -   1501 A bearing, rolling bearing -   1502 B bearing, rolling bearing -   EA eccentric axis -   MA motor axis 

1. A compressor arrangement for operating a compressed air supply facility of a vehicle, having a compressor (330) having: an electric motor (332), which is constructed as an electronically commutated, brushless DC motor with a control circuit comprising a power electronics unit (BL-DC motor), a pneumatic compressor element (331), characterized in that the electric motor (332) is constructed in the form of an external rotor motor.
 2. The compressor arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the compressor element is constructed as a single-cylinder, two-cylinder or multi-cylinder compressor element.
 3. The compressor arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electric motor has a stator, a rotor and a drive shaft coupled to the rotor, wherein the stator is held in the rotor in a manner separated by an air gap and is surrounded rotatably by the rotor, in particular, the rotor is constructed with a rotor bell, in particular is designed to form a balance weight, and the rotor carries a number of permanent magnets, and the stator carries an armature, in particular a laminated core, having an armature winding, which is connected to an electronic control circuit, wherein the compressor element has at least one connecting rod and at least one piston, which can be driven via a crankshaft, wherein the crankshaft is coupled to the drive shaft, and wherein the electric motor is connected for control to the electronic control circuit, the latter being arranged, in particular, inside a housing of the compressor arrangement, which is designed to electronically commutate the brushless motor, in particular being connected to an electronic commutator, and has at least one electronic relay and/or a DC-DC converter in the power electronics unit, and the power electronics unit has a DC voltage source as an input and an AC voltage source as an output.
 4. The compressor arrangement as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that a crankpin formed eccentrically with respect to the motor axis (MA), which forms the crankshaft, adjoins the drive shaft on the motor output side.
 5. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electronic control circuit furthermore has: a first control module, which is designed to store a measure of an energy storage capacity for a rotational energy of the rotor, being designed, in particular, to monitor and or perform open-loop or closed-loop control of an angular speed of the rotor.
 6. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electronic control circuit furthermore has: a second control module, which is designed to monitor a speed of the rotor, in particular to perform open-loop or closed-loop control of a speed of the rotor, in particular the electric motor being connected to a speed controller, which is designed to set the operating voltage at the motor and/or the rotary field frequency in an adjustable manner, preferably holding it constant or increasing it.
 7. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electric motor is designed to be operated in a pressure control mode, wherein the electronic control circuit furthermore has: a third control module, which is designed to operate the electric motor in a pressure control mode, in particular being connected to a pressure control interface of the compressor element.
 8. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an electronic control circuit furthermore has: a fourth control module, which is designed to implement a gentle startup and/or rundown control operation, to limit a startup current and/or a rundown current of the electric motor (CSS), in particular to set the operating voltage at the motor in an adjustable manner, preferably holding it constant or reducing it.
 9. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, to set an operating voltage, the electric control circuit is designed to adapt an operating voltage, preferably in the form of an AC voltage source, to an onboard electrical system voltage—preferably alternately or optionally alternately or with the possibility of combination or simultaneously—in one or more of the voltage ranges, preferably a DC voltage, selected from the group of ranges comprising: a voltage between 8 V and 50 V; a voltage between 10 V and 15 V, preferably 12 V, a voltage between 14 V and 37 V, a voltage between 42 V and 49 V, preferably 48 V, a voltage between 200-650 V.
 10. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the compressor element can be driven by means of a drive formed by the electric motor and a crank mechanism, wherein the drive is accommodated in an integrated drive housing (30) surrounding the crank mechanism and the electric motor and adjoins a piston housing (1101A), wherein the integrated drive housing combines a motor housing (1102) and a crankcase (1101B), in particular being free from a dividing wall between the motor housing (1102) and a crankcase (1101B).
 11. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a crankpin is attached to the drive shaft integrally or by means of an interference fit or similar frictional and/or positive connection.
 12. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, at least in a connection part, a rotor bell is attached integrally or by means of an interference fit or a similar frictional and/or positive connection to the drive shaft and/or to a crankpin.
 13. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the drive shaft, a crankpin and at least one connection part form a crank mechanism component which is integral or formed by means of an interference fit or a similar frictional and/or positive connection, wherein the crank mechanism component is supported by a bearing arrangement comprising a big end bearing and at least one axle bearing, in particular a big end bearing and a first and a second axle bearing (FIG. 2-FIG. 5, FIG. 9).
 14. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the drive shaft, a crankpin and at least the connection part form a crank mechanism component which is integral or formed by means of an interference fit or a similar frictional and/or positive connection, wherein the crank mechanism component in combination with a counter bearing piece is supported by a bearing arrangement comprising a big end bearing, an axle bearing and a counter axle bearing, in particular a big end bearing and precisely one first or one second axle bearing and the counter axle bearing (FIG. 6-FIG. 8).
 15. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a bearing arrangement comprises a big end bearing, a first axle bearing (A bearing) and a second axle bearing (B bearing), in particular a first axle bearing (A bearing) and/or a second axle bearing (B bearing) being formed by means of at least one rolling bearing or one needle bearing, in particular having at least one bearing sleeve (FIG. 2-FIG. 5, FIG. 9); or the bearing arrangement comprises a big end bearing and a first axle bearing (A bearing) or a second axle bearing (B bearing) and a counter axle bearing (FIG. 6-FIG. 8).
 16. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the crank mechanism component or the counter bearing piece has a balance weight on the motor output side and eccentrically with respect to the motor axis, in particular the balance weight being formed between a big end bearing and a first axle bearing (A bearing) on the crank mechanism component, in particular integrally as part of a crankpin; or the balance weight being formed between the big end bearing and the counter axle bearing on the counter bearing piece, in particular integrally as part of the counter bearing piece.
 17. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a drive shaft is supported in a first axle bearing (A), which is arranged directly adjacent to a big end bearing, in particular being supported only in the first axle bearing, wherein the first axle bearing (A) is arranged inside or outside a rotor bell.
 18. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a rotor (FIG. 5) and/or a drive shaft (FIGS. 2, 3, 4) is/are supported in a second axle bearing (B), which is arranged spaced apart from a big end bearing at least partially by the drive shaft, in particular being supported only in the second axle bearing, wherein the second axle bearing (A) is arranged inside or outside the rotor bell.
 19. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that a first axle bearing (A bearing) is fixed on an intermediate wall (31) of the drive housing as an axle bearing on the motor output side, and/or a second axle bearing (B bearing) is fixed, as an axle bearing situated opposite an axle bearing on the motor output side, on a housing outer wall, associated with the electric motor, of the drive housing (30), in particular being fixed on a protrusion (32.1) thereof, preferably being fixed on a housing cap (32), in particular being fixed adjacent to an electric motor housing closure; and/or a counter axle bearing is fixed, as an axle bearing situated on the motor output side, on another housing outer wall, associated with the crank mechanism, of the drive housing (30), in particular on a protrusion (34.1) thereof, preferably a housing cover plate (34), in particular adjacent to a compressor-element housing closure.
 20. The compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that a stator and/or a rotor are held by means of a cantilever, which has a curved cantilever arm section, in particular having an approximately V-shaped cross section.
 21. The compressor arrangement as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that the cantilever arm section extends transversely to the drive shaft, and a first cantilever arm section for the stator starts at a drive housing, and/or a second cantilever arm section for the rotor starts at the drive shaft and/or the crankpin, in particular the first and/or second cantilever arm section being held integrally or by means of an interference fit or a similar frictional and/or positive connection.
 22. A compressed air supply facility having a compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 21, in particular for operating a pneumatic facility (1001) of a vehicle, in particular an air spring facility and/or a brake and/or a conditioning device for compressed air, having: a compressed air feed (1), a compressed air port (2) leading to the pneumatic facility (1001) and a vent port (3) leading to the surroundings; a pneumatic main line (210), which has an air dryer (211), in particular a pilot controlled check valve of a valve arrangement, between the compressed air feed (1) and the compressed air port (2); a vent line (220) having a vent valve (322), in particular in combination with a control valve (321) of a valve arrangement (320), between the compressed air port (2) and the vent port (3), wherein the compressed air feed (1) can be supplied with compressed air that can be produced by the compressor arrangement.
 23. The compressed air supply system (1002) having a pneumatic facility (1001), in particular having a compressed air supply facility (1000) as claimed in claim 22 having a pneumatic main line (210), in particular for operating an air spring facility of a vehicle, preferably a motor car, SUV, truck or similar commercial vehicle, wherein to operate the pneumatic facility (1001) with a compressed air flow and/or to condition compressed air, a compressed air feed (1) connected to a compressor (330) of the compressor arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 20 and a compressed air port (2) leading to the pneumatic facility (1001) is pneumatically connected.
 24. A vehicle, in particular a motor car, having a pneumatic facility (1001), in particular an air spring facility, and a compressed air supply facility (1000) as claimed in claim 22 for operating the pneumatic facility (1001) with a compressed air flow (DL).
 25. A method for operating a compressed air supply facility of a vehicle having a compressor arrangement, having a compressor (330) having: an electric motor (332), which is constructed as an electronically commutated, brushless DC motor with a control circuit comprising a power electronics unit (BL-DC motor), a pneumatic compressor element (331), characterized in that the electric motor (332) is constructed in the form of an external rotor motor, in particular the method having the following steps: storing a measure of the energy storage capacity for a rotational energy of the rotor. 